Australian climate investor Wollemi Capital receives $150 million funds allocation from Rest.
Rest Superannuation Fund, with over 2 million members, including around 1.5 million who are set to retire after 2050, has made a significant commitment to a more sustainable future. The Australian superannuation fund has invested A$150 million in Wollemi Capital, a Sydney-based specialist climate investor [1][3][4].
Wollemi Capital, founded by executives with backgrounds in venture capital and global investment banking, manages $99 billion under Rest's supervision [2]. The investment strategy of Wollemi Capital aims to bridge the gap between venture capital and traditional infrastructure projects. By 30 June 2025, Rest aims to increase its investment in renewables and low-carbon solutions to $2 billion, with a view to increase that amount to $2 billion by 2025 [1][3][4].
As of a certain point, Wollemi Capital had invested over $1.78 billion in renewables and 'low-carbon' solutions, with a focus on energy, waste, industrials, and natural capital. Their strategy includes deploying funds into sectors critical to the transition to a low-carbon economy, such as renewable energy infrastructure, waste management technologies, sustainable industrial processes, and conservation or enhancement of natural capital assets [4][2].
This partnership between Rest and Wollemi Capital will support Australia's transition to a sustainable economy and meet climate investment goals through a blend of infrastructure and nature-based solutions [1][2][3][4]. Looking ahead, the partnership appears poised to scale investments that not only generate financial returns but also contribute measurable environmental benefits, aligning with Rest's broader climate strategy.
Marina Pasika, head of global alternatives at Rest, believes the commitment will benefit from future tailwinds and form an important part of investment portfolios. Simon Esposito, interim chief investment officer at Rest, states that through the commitment with Wollemi, members will gain exposure to a strong pipeline of innovative climate solutions [1].
Rest's climate solutions tilt is closely linked to its relatively young membership, who are increasingly concerned about the environment and sustainability. The fund's climate disclosures show that it has invested a significant amount in renewables and low-carbon solutions [1]. The allocation by Rest is part of its Growth Alternatives portfolio, and by 30 June 2026, Rest aims to allocate 1% of funds under management to 'impact-generating' investments [2].
Wollemi Capital's investment strategy targets opportunities in energy, waste, industrials, and natural capital, with a focus on supporting innovative climate solutions to become sustainable infrastructure [4]. The fund operates a global portfolio, and its focus is on supporting the development of solutions to improve resource efficiency and reduce emissions in those sectors, while investments in natural capital aim to support broader ecosystem health and carbon offsetting [2][3].
In summary, Rest Super’s future plans with Wollemi Capital involve anchoring climate-focused funds that invest across energy, waste, industrial sectors, and natural capital projects, thus supporting Australia's transition to a sustainable economy and meeting climate investment goals through a blend of infrastructure and nature-based solutions [1][2][3][4]. The investment by Rest in Wollemi Capital is expected to contribute to a strong pipeline of innovative climate solutions.
- Recognizing the growing concern of its young membership about the environment and sustainability, Rest Superannuation Fund aims to allocate 1% of its funds under management to 'impact-generating' investments in sectors like energy, waste, industrial sectors, and natural capital projects by 2026, as part of its climate strategy.
- By partnering with Wollemi Capital, a specialist climate investor, and deploying funds into sectors critical to the transition to a low-carbon economy, Rest Superannuation Fund aims to not only generate financial returns but also contribute measurable environmental benefits, creating a substantial portfolio of climate solutions, including renewables, 'low-carbon' solutions, and nature-based solutions.
